FBI Investigates Racist Text Messages Nationwide

The FBI is investigating a series of racist and threatening text messages that have targeted Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities following the presidential election. These messages, which include disturbing references to slavery and threats of deportation or re-education camps, have expanded to include high school students. The FBI is collaborating with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division and has encouraged recipients to report these incidents. Notably, the Southern Poverty Law Center and NAACP have condemned the messages, linking them to the anti-immigrant rhetoric promoted by President-elect Donald Trump. While no violence has been reported, the nature of the messages has caused significant fear among recipients. Investigators are tracing some messages to untraceable texting services like TextNow, which has stated it is cooperating with authorities to address the issue.